Spartan field hockey finds its groove

Shepaug girls bounce back from 0-3 season start

Published 6:50 pm, Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Photo: Norm Cummings

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The Spartan edge
SPECTRUM/Sophomore Veronica Winthrop demonstrates the advantage of hustle and exceptional reach Tuesday as she earns possession of the ball for the Shepaug Valley High School field hockey team in its match vs. visiting Northwestern Regional. The Spartans and Highlanders battled to a 1-1 draw to leave coach Jaye Stuart's Region 12 stick crew with a 1-3-1 ledger as it nears the season's mid-point. For the story and more photos, see next Friday's Greater New Milford Spectrum. less

The Spartan edge
SPECTRUM/Sophomore Veronica Winthrop demonstrates the advantage of hustle and exceptional reach Tuesday as she earns possession of the ball for the Shepaug Valley High School field hockey team ... more

Photo: Norm Cummings

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SPECTRUM/Katie Butler (16) rips a shot past Northwestern defenders Sept. 27, 2011 in Washington for Shepaug Valley High School field hockey's only goal during a 1-1 deadlock vs. the Highlanders.

SPECTRUM/Katie Butler (16) rips a shot past Northwestern defenders Sept. 27, 2011 in Washington for Shepaug Valley High School field hockey's only goal during a 1-1 deadlock vs. the Highlanders.

Photo: Norm Cummings

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SPECTRUM/The Spartans' Jessica Dumas splits the seam between a pair of Northwestern players to race the ball down the right wing for Shepaug Valley High School field hockey during a 1-1 deadlock vs. the visiting Highlanders. Sept. 27, 2011 less

SPECTRUM/The Spartans' Jessica Dumas splits the seam between a pair of Northwestern players to race the ball down the right wing for Shepaug Valley High School field hockey during a 1-1 deadlock vs. the ... more

Photo: Norm Cummings

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SPECTRUM/Shepaug Valley High School field hockey coach Jaye Stuart leans into her task of leading the Spartan squad during a 1-1 tie with visiting Northwestern. Alongside is former Spartan standout and now assistant coach Katy Pokrywka. In the background that's ex-Shepaug teacher and coach Dave Werkhoven at the controls as the match's official timekeeper. Sept. 27, 2011 less

SPECTRUM/Shepaug Valley High School field hockey coach Jaye Stuart leans into her task of leading the Spartan squad during a 1-1 tie with visiting Northwestern. Alongside is former Spartan standout and now ... more

Photo: Norm Cummings

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SPECTRUM/Veteran Spartan goaltender Katie Greene makes a game-saving stop on a penalty stroke by Northwestern during Shepaug Valley High School field hockey's 1-1 tie with the visiting Highlanders. Sept. 27, 2011 less

SPECTRUM/Veteran Spartan goaltender Katie Greene makes a game-saving stop on a penalty stroke by Northwestern during Shepaug Valley High School field hockey's 1-1 tie with the visiting Highlanders. Sept. 27, ... more

Photo: Norm Cummings

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SPECTRUM/Kate DeWitte establishes her dominance in midfield vs. Northwestern to help the Shepaug Valley High School field hockey squad salvage a 1-1 deadlock with the Highlanders, Sept. 27, 2011 in Washington

SPECTRUM/Kate DeWitte establishes her dominance in midfield vs. Northwestern to help the Shepaug Valley High School field hockey squad salvage a 1-1 deadlock with the Highlanders, Sept. 27, 2011 in Washington

Photo: Norm Cummings

Spartan field hockey finds its groove

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The 2011 season appeared to be headed quickly in the wrong direction Sept. 22 when the Shepaug Valley High School field hockey team boarded the bus for a game in Litchfield.

Just a couple of hours later, however, a 2-0 victory in their possession, coach Jaye Stuart's young Spartans were holding their heads high, cognizant they had the makings of solid squad after all.

The `W' over the host Cowgirls that day, sparked by the shutout goaltending of Katie Greene, and an ensuing 1-1 deadlock Sept. 27 with visiting Northwestern, left the 1-3-1 Region 12 girls optimistic better things were coming their way.